Tirta Sanita Hot Springs, Ciseeng Bogor

Pemandian Air Panas Tirta Sanita Ciseeng was a name and place that sounded unfamiliar until a few weeks ago. It never crossed in my mind that there's a pretty good hot spring facility only about 40 minutes drive from JORR exit gate of Serpong city, Tangerang regency, just a little bit outside area of the city of South Jakarta.

Location of Tirta Sanita Ciseeng Hot Spring facility is at Ciseeng village, Parung subdistrict, Bogor. A place which is not so far from the city of Jakarta. This is the disease of farsightedness, places so close are not visible for so long and are often overlooked while places far away are clearly visible and often pursued. I certainly was not alone.

To get to Tirta Sanita Ciseeng Hot Spring, use JORR and take exit Serpong. Turn right at the first T-junction towards Puspitek Serpong. Turn left at the end of the road towards Parung. Go straight at Parung's market, pass gas station on the left. A few meters from the gas station there will be nameplate of Tirta Sanita Hot Spring on the left side.

Scene at the entrance gate to Tirta Sanita Ciseeng Hot Spring facility with ticket booth located at the right side of the gate. To get into the hot spring area, adults need to pay Rp.5,000 per person, and Rp.6,000 on weekends, while children were only charged admission fees of Rp.3.500 per person. Tickets would likely be more expensive now. Although the parking area of Tirta Sanita Ciseeng Hot Spring is vast enough, but on weekends and on national holidays the parking area can be very crowded with cars and buses.

You would probably find it a little bit challenging to find an empty space for your car if you do not come early in the morning, because many people will flock into the place. After passing through rows of elegant Palm Raja and children's playground area on the left side, there were several simple kiosk on the right side offering a collection of Betta fish (Betta splendens) in glass bottles. This beautiful fish has a very wide span of fin with really beautiful colors. To be honest I've just seen and realized the existence of such fish!

One of the VIP soaking tubs at Tirta Sanita Ciseeng Hot Spring compound which can only be used by one person at a time. Please be advised that a couple is forbidden using the VIP soaking tubs at the same time, even though they are legitimate husband and wife. It is probably better that way to avoid any bad impression and abuse of the facility.

Visitors are advised to soak in the warm water that contains sulfuric substance for about 15 - 20 minutes only. Because of the content, hot spring in this facility is believed to soften and heal various skin diseases, after several visits. Visitors of Tirta Sanita Ciseeng Hot Spring should pay another Rp.10,000 per person to soak in a tub of the VIP room. There are also fresh water taps in the VIP room, even though it is advised not to wash the body with fresh water for several hours to get better results. Skin diseases can be cured, or get smoother skin, if bathing regularly. Once finished soaking in the tub with the hot water, visitors will get a bottle of cold water to refresh the throat.

Sights on the white limestone hills with its beautiful texture. It's the place where the hot spring water of Tirta Sanita Ciseeng originated from. Facilities for outbound activities are also available at Tirta Sanita Ciseeng Hot Water, including a flying fox available at the end of the climbing rope track, which costs Rp.25,000 per person.

The top of white limestone hill is accessible through a path to get a good view to the entire Tirta Sanita hot spring facilities. There is also a small natural hot tub up there. After taking shower I walked onto the limestone hills. Several large trees with very shady branches located at the limestone hills were able to protect visitors from the sun.

Simple food stalls were available up around the trees, and there's also a restaurant located quite comfortably in the middle of the hot water bathing area of Tirta Sanita Ciseeng. At the slope of the hill there is also a small playground hall for children. Every weekend visitors will also be entertained with live music, mostly pop and dangdut.

Behind the parking area of Tirta Sanita Ciseeng Hot Spring, by climbing through a narrow path, there's a small and natural hot spring pool which is much smaller compared to the one at the main facility. I found the hot spring on the second visit to the place. Admission is cheaper, and with no restriction of soaking time like that of the main location.

If you want to soak longer in hot water at Tirta Sanita Ciseeng, with lower cost, then the open tub in the back hills can be considered. You can do it either before or after visiting the main compound. You can also taste local Soto Mie in the parking lot of Tirta Sanita Hot Water Ciseeng. Look for food stall nearest ticket counter. Delicious!